Laura Loomer, a far-right activist known for promoting conspiracy theories, met with President Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday. During the meeting, she urged him to dismiss National Security Council (N.S.C.) staff members whom she considered disloyal, as reported by seven sources familiar with the events.
According to two of the sources, Mr. Trump may consider some of Ms. Loomer’s recommendations. She arrived at the White House with a collection of documents containing opposition research targeting the character and loyalty of various N.S.C. officials. In front of national security adviser Michael Waltz, who was also present, she criticized these officials.
Ms. Loomer has faced criticism even from those on the far right due to her extreme rhetoric. She has previously promoted the conspiracy theory that the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were an “inside job” and made controversial comments regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's heritage during the 2024 campaign. Additionally, she has made unfounded claims about Governor Ron DeSantis's wife regarding her health.
During the meeting, Ms. Loomer presented claims about staff members she insisted should be dismissed. This meeting followed a series of social media attacks by her on Trump administration officials, including Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser. Mr. Waltz has faced scrutiny after it was revealed that he created a group on a nonsecure messaging app to discuss sensitive military details, inadvertently adding a journalist to the chat.
Mr. Waltz's position has been weakened, and several senior staff members may be at risk of dismissal. Mr. Trump has shown some sympathy towards Mr. Wong in private discussions. However, Ms. Loomer has questioned Mr. Wong’s loyalty, citing his wife's previous employment in the Justice Department during the Biden and Obama administrations and her father's business ties to a Chinese satellite manufacturer.
Ms. Loomer did not provide comments when reached by phone, and there was no immediate response from White House or N.S.C. representatives regarding the meeting.
The meeting occurred shortly before Mr. Trump’s announcement of a major tariff policy in the White House Rose Garden. Vice President JD Vance, Mr. Waltz, and other senior staff members were also present in the Oval Office during the meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes.
During this time, attendees discussed the potential dismissal of several government employees. Mr. Waltz was only present briefly to defend his staff against Ms. Loomer's criticisms.